The fireman said there was a first call to report the fire at that time. “After that we had numerous calls — a flood of calls,” he said.

Trucks arrived on scene within five minutes of dispatch, but flames were already licking from the whole front of the house.

Firefighters used a truck-topping turret nozzle, essentially a water cannon, to deliver more than 500 gallons of water per minute and try to keep the fire from taking over the attached, neighbouring home.

“That’s really the piece of equipment that saved the dwelling next door,” Byrne said.

The home next door was saved, but damaged. Two family pets from the home were reported missing.

By 3 p.m., the fire was under control and firefighters were cutting into the structure, looking for remaining hot spots, as they continued to douse the building with water from overhead.

At the same time, the crowds had broken up and Snook started up the lawnmower.

“It is shocking to be so close. I’ve never been so close to a fire where I’ve lived,” he said.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary fire investigator was on the scene, but a cause has yet to be revealed. The fire is under investigation.

I think that people shouldn't be so quick to judge! You don't know anything about the "young man".....therefore you should keep your judgement to yourself! I wouldn't want to comment if I was watching my family's life go up in flames either.....I'm a mother of 3. Can you make a judgement from that?

HBG

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Quick question - 03/31/2015

A Corner Brook woman was upset recently when she had her seal skin purse confiscated by customs officials when entering the United States — she was unaware of a U.S. ban on seal product entering that country. Are you aware of the ban?